Jam Mazah

This simple Jam Mazah recipe transforms plain matzo into a sweet, crunchy delight with jam & nuts. The perfect easy Passover dessert or year-round snack!

Have you ever stared at a box of plain matzah and dreamed of something more? Something that could transform those simple, crisp sheets into a celebratory treat worthy of a holiday table or a sweet after-school snack? Enter Jam Mazah (or Matzah), the effortlessly delicious creation that sits perfectly at the intersection of easy Jewish dessert and genius pantry recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and minutes of active time, you can create a sweet, crunchy, customizable treat that delights children, impresses guests, and solves the eternal question of what to do with extra matzah.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute Passover dessert, a simple holiday treat for Rosh Hashanah, or just a uniquely satisfying sweet and salty snack, Jam Mazah is your answer. Imagine the crisp base of matzah, lightly toasted and brushed with rich butter, then slathered with your favorite fruity jam and sprinkled with crunchy nuts or seeds. It’s then baked (or broiled) just until the jam bubbles and the edges caramelize into a perfect, crackly brittle. The result? A irresistible 3-ingredient dessert that’s simultaneously rustic and elegant, humble and absolutely divine.

This recipe is more than a quick fix; it’s a canvas for your creativity. It’s a family-friendly cooking activity, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and a testament to the beauty of semi-homemade desserts. Let’s explore how this simple Jewish holiday recipe can become your new secret weapon for deliciousness all year round.

Why This Jam Mazah Recipe is a Must-Try

Before we gather our minimalist ingredients, let’s talk about why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your repertoire. First, it is the epitome of minimal effort, maximum reward. In less than 15 minutes, you can go from basic pantry staples to a finished treat that looks and tastes like you fussed for hours. It’s the ultimate quick and easy dessert for unexpected guests or a sudden sweet tooth.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile. This recipe is the perfect base for endless variations. Are you a fan of salted caramel desserts? Swap the jam for dulce de leche. Need a nut-free option? Use seeds or coconut. It naturally lends itself to gluten-free and vegan adaptations with simple swaps. It’s a no-fail recipe that empowers you to create something uniquely yours.

Finally, it bridges tradition and innovation. While matzah is deeply rooted in Passover cooking and Jewish cuisine, topping it with sweet jam and nuts makes it accessible and exciting for everyone, regardless of background. It’s a wonderful way to introduce cultural foods in a fun, approachable way. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a conversation starter and a delicious lesson in simple global flavors.

Gathering Your Ingredients: Simple Components for Spectacular Flavor

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s your short shopping list for the classic version:

The Essential Trio:

· 4-6 sheets of plain matzah (matzo, matza): You can use regular, whole wheat, or even egg matzah.
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine: For a dairy-free dessert, use a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil.
· 3/4 cup of your favorite jam or preserves: Apricot, raspberry, and strawberry are classics. For a grown-up dessert, try fig jam, orange marmalade, or blackberry.

The Flavor Enhancers (Choose Your Adventure):

· 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Walnuts, pecans, sliced almonds, or pistachios add perfect crunch.
· A pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon): This is the secret ingredient that makes all the flavors pop.
· Optional Spices: 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, a dash of cardamom, or a sprinkle of black pepper (for berry jams) can add wonderful warmth.

Ingredient Spotlight & Pro Substitutions

· The Matzah: This is your canvas. Whole wheat matzah will give a deeper, nuttier flavor. For gluten-free Jam Mazah, use your favorite gluten-free crackers or crispbreads that can hold up to spreading.
· The Fat: Butter provides the richest flavor and helps the toppings caramelize. Margarine keeps it parve (neutral) for a meat meal. Coconut oil is a great dairy-free/vegan alternative that adds a subtle tropical note.
· The Jam: Use a good-quality, thick jam. If your jam is very runny, simmer it in a small saucepan for 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly before using. This prevents a soggy matzah.
· The Toppings: Go beyond nuts! Try shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips (added after baking so they just melt), pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of tahini after baking.

Essential Kitchen Tools: Minimal Equipment for Maximum Ease

You likely have everything you need already. This is part of what makes Jam Mazah such a brilliant easy pantry dessert.

1. The Baking Foundation: Your Sheet Pan

A standard rimmed baking sheet (like a half-sheet pan) is perfect. The rim prevents any potential butter from dripping into your oven. Lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is highly recommended for effortless cleanup and preventing any sticky jam from fusing to the pan.

2. The Prep & Application Tools:

· Small Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the butter quickly and safely.
· Pastry Brush or Spoon: A silicone pastry brush is ideal for evenly coating the matzah with the melted butter. A spoon can work in a pinch—just spread carefully.
· Butter Knife or Offset Spatula: For spreading the jam into a beautiful, even layer. An offset spatula gives you the most control.
· Cutting Board & Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For breaking the large sheets of matzah to fit your pan before baking, and for scoring or cutting the finished Jam Mazah into neat pieces while it’s still warm. A pizza cutter makes this incredibly fast and clean.

3. Helpful Extras:

· Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate under the Jam Mazah as it cools, helping it crisp up perfectly.
· Timer: Because the line between perfectly caramelized and sadly burnt is thin when broiling. This is a quick dessert recipe, so attention is key.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Perfect Jam Mazah

The process is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these steps for a flawless, crackly result every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Matzah

Position Oven Rack: Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For a faster, more caramelized finish, you can use the broiler setting, but watch it closely.

Line the Pan: Line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange Matzah: Break or arrange the matzah sheets to fit in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering it completely. It’s okay if they touch or slightly overlap.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until just liquid.

Butter the Matzah: Using your pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the matzah. Get into all the nooks and crannies. This buttery layer is what will toast and create that incredible flavor base.

Step 3: Apply the Jam & Toppings

Spread the Jam: Using a knife or offset spatula, spread your chosen jam in an even layer over the buttered matzah. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch—enough to taste in every bite but not so much that it makes the matzah soggy.

Add Your Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the jam layer. If using, add a very light sprinkle of spices (like cinnamon) and a pinch of flaky sea salt. The salt is a game-changer.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges of the matzah to turn a deep golden brown, the butter to be fully absorbed and toasted, and the jam to bubble actively across the entire surface.
· Broiler Alternative: For a faster, more intense caramelization, you can broil on HIGH for 2-4 minutes. DO NOT WALK AWAY. It can burn in seconds.

Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven. Let the Jam Mazah cool on the pan for just 1-2 minutes—enough for the jam to set slightly but for the matzah to still be warm and easy to cut.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

Score and Break: While still warm, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to score the large sheet into squares, rectangles, or triangles.

Cool Completely: Allow the pieces to cool completely on the pan or transfer them to a cooling rack. As they cool, they will crisp up beautifully.

Serve: Serve at room temperature. The texture is best the day it’s made, but it can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Chef’s Pro-Tips for Flawless, Crispy Results

· Prevent Sogginess: The key is the butter barrier. A good layer of butter seals the matzah slightly before the jam goes on. Ensuring your jam isn’t overly watery is the second defense.
· Watch Closely While Baking: Ovens vary. Start checking at the 8-minute mark. The perfect sign is active, widespread bubbling in the jam, not just at the edges.
· Get Creative with Layers: For a next-level treat, make a “matzah lasagna.” Do one layer of buttered matzah, bake for 5 minutes, then add jam and nuts, and bake again. This creates an extra-crisp base.
· The Chocolate Upgrade: After baking and cooling for 5 minutes, sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let them melt from the residual heat, then spread gently with a knife for a chocolate-jam finish.

Serving Suggestions & Occasion Ideas

Jam Mazah is incredibly versatile:

· For Passover: A brilliant non-gebrochts recipe (if using oil) and a welcome sweet addition to the dessert table.
· As an Appetizer: Cut into small squares and serve on a cheese board alongside soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie.
· As a Dessert: Plate a few pieces with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a stunning, easy plated dessert.
· As a Gift: Pack in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade food gift.

How to Store and Keep It Crispy

· Storage: Once completely cool, store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers if you must stack.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the buttered and jammed matzah on the pan a few hours ahead, then bake just before serving for the freshest, crispiest texture.
· Reviving: If it loses its crispness, reheat on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes, then let cool again.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Treat for Modern Times

Jam Mazah is proof that the most memorable foods are often the simplest. It’s a lesson in resourcefulness, a celebration of flavor, and a reminder that a little creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It connects us to tradition while allowing for personal expression in the most delicious way possible.

So, open that box of matzah, reach for your favorite jar of jam, and in just a few minutes, create a treat that’s truly worthy of its heavenly name. It’s the perfect project for a quiet afternoon, a lifesaver for a holiday meal, and a guaranteed crowd-pleasing snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe, rate it, and leave a comment below telling me about your favorite jam and topping combination!

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